Passing The Baton To A New Generation

Debbie Scattareggia spent her formative years competitive baton twirling. She competed across the United States in regional and national competitions. 

Though her baton has been retired, the fond memories she had of twirling returned to her when she pondered how to use the extra time she recouped when her children entered school full time.

Inspired by her love of twirling, Scattareggia launched Garden City Baton Twirling last spring. Baton twirling is an artistic and aerobic sport that promotes physical fitness. 

Scattareggia’s mission is to inspire young girls in the sport of baton twirling to build strength, coordination and confidence.

To launch the program, Scattareggia became a certified coach through the United States Twirling Association (USTA) and held a trial class with promising results. 

“Interest in the program was really more than I could ever imagine,” said Scattareggia. Parents and children have been so receptive.

The group has been on the parade circuit with their debut last spring in the Garden City Athletic Association’s (GCAA) parade along with the Garden City Memorial Day and Homecoming parades.

Kelly Lynch, whose seven-year-old daughter participates in the program, believes the discipline and listening skills she has acquired will help her advance in any sport.

“It’s a unique program that builds self-confidence,” said Lynch. “My daughter is so proud of the skills she has acquired.”

Students range in age from kindergarten through fourth grade. Classes are held at St. Paul’s gymnasium. All groups learn a routine and recitals are performed at the end of the season. Sessions run for eight weeks and include beginner, baton I and II classes.

Though eager to share her love of the sport, Scattareggia is proud of the opportunity she has to promote wellness at such a young age.

“The girls love learning the routines,” added Scattareggia. “Yet, I gain a sense of pride to have the chance to talk to the girls about taking care of their bodies, including the importance of warming up and stretching."

Baton twirling is a unique sport and in order to perform at the highest level, twirlers must be able to create a demonstration of strength, flexibility, physical fitness and harmony in coordination with the twirling of their baton.  

“I see many of my girls on the soccer fields playing soccer and lacrosse and I believe participation helps build their athletic skills and teamwork,” said Scattareggia.

A beginner class will be held in the winter followed by spring classes. Twirling is gaining momentum and groups are popping up all over Long Island, which has Scattareggia thinking about participating in competitions as well.

For further information, visit www.gctwirling.com or email debbie@gctwirling.com.